Abby Elliott has told me that she’s leaving Saturday Night Live after four seasons. It’s a surprising move; while it’s known that Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg have left the show, and there’s been talk that Jason Sudeikis may leave as well, it seemed like the rest of the cast was all on board for the new season. (Via)

Elliott, who it feels obligatory to mention is Chris Elliott’s daughter, was consistently one of last season’s strongest cast members, even if she wasn’t onscreen nearly enough. “Bein’ Quirky with Zooey Deschanel” was always great, and although she didn’t have many characters of her own (“French Girl” in the “Les Jeunes de Paris” series might be the most notable), she was a gifted impressionist. I could watch her Angelina Jolie for hours, which is to say I have. Let’s take a trip down Abby Elliott Memory Road, shall we?

Is the basis for what’s been wrong with SNL for as long as I can remember. When the writers can’t come up with an original sketch or character (which seems to be 85% of the time), they just push somebody onstage and have them imitate someone. It’s why I haven’t watched the show for the last 5 years.

Only thing I’m thinking is that she saw the writing on the wall that she’d be a background character again. (i.e. college transfers) Maybe more Maxim shoots and less comedy in the future for Ms. Elliott.